Portable insertable probe assembly

ABSTRACT

An assembly for insertion and retraction of probe or probe-like device which does not require a seal or packing gland, instead utilizing pressure equalization between pressurized process fluids and the housing containing a probe, so as to negate the use of a dynamic seal. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an inserting/retraction mechanism for raising and lowering the probe into and from the pressurized fluid, respectively. A housing having a valve is configured to allow fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source, and the interior of the housing assembly. A conduit engages the housing assembly, and is formed to slidingly receive the outer diameter of the probe therethrough, such that a sliding seal maintains a fluid seal between the outer wall of the probe and the inner wall of the conduit, as the probe is telescoped therethrough during insertion and retraction of the probe into/from the pressurized process. Fluid flow will occur until the pressure of the housing assembly and the fluid source are equal to each other. The probe is then lowered through an opening in the first end of the housing assembly without having to overcome the force exerted by the differential pressure across a dynamic seal. An example of the insertion/retraction mechanism of the present invention utilizes a rack and pinion system.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the insertion of a probe into apressurized process. Insertion of a probe into a pressurized process isoften required for the purpose of extracting fluid samples, measuringfluid temperature, insertion of corrosion coupons and many other uses.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a systemconfigured to insert a probe though the sidewall of a containmentvessel, whereas a pressure equalization technique is utilized in lieu ofa probe packing gland or seal. Safety is improved by eliminatingpotential seal leaks. The length and size of the assembly is smallerthan current means, the complexity of operation is reduced, and theoverall cost for fabrication is reduced.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The heating value of natural gas has a significant impact on itsmonetary value. In general, the heating value of natural gas increasesas the concentration of low volatility, high molecular weight componentsincreases. Condensation of gas phase components, which reduce theproportion of high molecular weight components, therefore tends todecrease gas phase heating value, while vaporization of entrained liquidhas the opposite effect.

In order for natural gas supply to keep up with demand over the next 10to 20 years, it will be necessary to increase production from deep-waterfields in the Gulf of Mexico. (Refer to Volume 1, Fall/Winter 1997official newsletter of Colorado Engineering Experiment Station Inc.) Gasproduced from deep-water fields contains higher concentrations of lowvolatility components, such as water vapor and heavy hydrocarbons, andhas a higher susceptibility to condensation than shelf and onshoreproduction gas.

Additionally, some onshore produced gas, particularly in low ambienttemperature regions, frequently contains entrained liquids. Otherliquids, which can influence vapor phase composition when fluid pressureor temperature changes occur, include glycols and amines, which arecarried over into the gas phase from gas contactors designed to removewater vapor and acid gases, respectively.

A Joint Industry Project (JIP) is underway to address problemsassociated with measurement and transportation of wet gases. A part ofthe JIP focus will include improvement of wet gas sampling techniques.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Gas ProcessorsAssociation (GPA) are two leading industry organizations, havingrecommended standard practices for sampling and analysis of natural gas.

Both of these organizations recommend the use of sample probes insertedinto the process fluid, for the purpose of extracting samples of saidprocess fluids. Further, both require that the probe be inserted to aspecific depth in the containment vessel or pipeline. (Refer to Manualof Petroleum Measurement Standards chapter 14-Natural Gas fluidsmeasurement, section 1 collecting and handling natural gas samples forcustody transfer, fourth edition, August 1993.)

Insertion of probes into pressurized systems for collecting liquidsamples is also a frequent requirement.

In many cases, the cost of installing a fixed probe at each samplelocation is cost prohibitive. For example, some pipeline companiessample fluids at several thousand locations. Outfitting each sample taplocation could cost several million dollars. The result is that fluidsare often sampled without the use of probes, which results innon-conformance of applicable standards, and inaccurate sample analysis.

It is desirable, therefore, to have the capability of inserting a probeinto the pressurized fluid systems at the time of sampling, andretracting said probe upon the completion of the sampling process. To beeffective, the probe insertion/retraction process must be safe, easy andquick to perform, portable, and effective for the intended service.

The same can be said for measuring the fluid temperature, wherein atemperature probe or well designed to receive a temperature probe isrequired to be inserted and/or retracted from a pressurized fluid streamor containment vessel. There is also a frequent need to insert othertypes of devices into pressurized system, such as theinsertion/retraction of corrosion coupons, flow measuring devices andvarious types of sensors, analyzer, and devices.

Additionally, it is often desirable to retract a probe-type of devicefrom a pressurized system to accommodate “pigging”, or other type ofmaintenance operation.

Insertion and retraction devices for insertion/retraction of probe orprobe like devices are known. However, they all employ a seal, throughwhich the probe is inserted into the pressurized system, for the purposeof preventing pressurized fluid from leaking.

In these probes, the insertion force is derived either from a screw-typeof device, or pneumatically or hydraulically. Such is the case with U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,177,676, 5,770,809, 5,639,975 and 5,627,749. The apparatusof these aforementioned patents are bulky and long, requiring, at aminimum, a length of at least twice the maximum insertion length toextend above the point of insertion into a vessel. In many cases, suchas in the tight quarters of a chemical plant, refinery, or offshoredrilling platform, the bulk and length of these type devices precludetheir use.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Unlike the prior art, the present invention provides an assembly forinsertion and retraction of probe or probe-like device which does notrequire a seal or packing gland. For a given insertion/retractionlength, the required insertable probe assembly length is considerablyless than that of prior art devices. Since dynamic sealing of the probewhich are know to leak fluids is not required with the presentinvention, safety is enhanced.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates pressureequalization between the pressurized process fluids and the housingcontaining a probe, so as to negate the use of a dynamic seal. In afirst operating mode of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the housing assembly, having a first and second end andcontaining the probe, has its first end attached, and in fluidcommunication with, the pressurized source fluid, through a full openingvalve. Said attachment is by means of threads, flange, or other similarmeans.

Said valve is opened so as to allow fluid communication between thepressurized fluid source, and the interior of the housing assembly.Fluid flow will occur until the pressure of the housing assembly and thefluid source are equal to each other. The probe can now be loweredthrough an opening in the first end of said housing assembly withouthaving to overcome the force exerted by the differential pressure acrossa dynamic seal, as is the case with prior art.

This allows for relatively simple means of inserting/retraction of theprobe into and from the pressurized fluid. A preferred means of thepreferred embodiment of the present invention for insertion/retractionis the use of the rack and pinion, wherein the rack in fabricated on theprobe and the pinion, anchored in the housing assembly, is rotatedmanually.

In the preferred embodiment, the housing assembly has a first endattached and in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source.When a first end of the probe is inserted into the pressurized fluidsource, a second end of the probe remains within the housing assembly.In the preferred embodiment, a conduit having a first and second end iscontained within the housing assembly.

The second end of said conduit is attached, and fluidly sealed to, theinner wall of the second end of said housing assembly. The innerdiameter of the conduit is larger than the outer diameter of the probe.The first end of the probe extends inside the conduit. A sliding seal isestablished between the inner wall of the conduit and the outer wall ofthe probe. This allows the interior space of the probe and conduit tomaintain fluid isolation with the space interior to the housingassembly, and exterior to the probe and conduit.

This arrangement of the probe and conduit provides a telescoping action,as the first end of the probe is inserted into, and retracted from, thepressurized process. Said sliding seal maintains a fluid seal betweenthe outer wall of the probe and the inner wall of the conduit, duringthe telescoping process. The second end of said conduit is attached to,and fluidly sealed to, the interior wall of the second end of thehousing assembly. An outlet port, permitting external fluidcommunication with the interior of the second end of said conduit, isformed in the second end of the housing assembly.

Therefore, when the probe housing assembly is attached to a pressurizedfluid pressure source through a fully opening valve, the probe can bemanually inserted to a desired depth in the pressurized fluid source,thereby providing a fluid path between said pressurized source and saidoutlet port.

It should be noted that since a seal does not exist between the outerprobe wall and the interior wall of the housing assembly, the pressureinternal to the housing assembly, but external to the probe and conduit,is essentially the same as the static pressure of the pressurized fluidsource.

It should also be noted that the internal pressure of the probe andconduit are also essentially the same, as the static pressure of thepressurized fluid source, with only a slight difference existingwhenever fluid flow through the probe and conduit cause a slightpressure drop.

The differential pressure across said sliding seal is minimal. In asecond embodiment, fluid communication between the second end of theprobe and the outlet port is by way of a flexible conduit attached toand in fluid communication between the second and of said probe and saidoutlet port. In this second embodiment, the conduit and sliding seal areeliminated.

In the preferred embodiment, by closing off the first end of said probe,a well is formed interior to the probe, with the conduit extending fromthe outlet port to the first end of said probe. Said well can be atatmospheric pressure when the outlet port is opened to the atmosphere,and can therefore be utilized for several purposes, such as, forinserting a temperature sensor inside of the pressurized fluid source.

Other minor variations obvious to one skilled in the art are alsopossible, such as insertion/retraction of corrosion coupons, or varioussensors inside of the pressurized fluid process. Another variation ofthe preferred embodiment of the probe housing assembly is for the firstend of the probe to slide over the first end of the conduit, wherein thesliding seal is formed between the inner wall of the first end of theprobe, and the outer wall of the conduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the presentinvention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like parts are given like reference numerals, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side, partially cut-away view of the preferred firstembodiment of the invention illustrating the probe house assembly.

FIG. 2 is a side, partially cut-away view of the preferred firstembodiment of FIG. 1 in an exemplary installation.

FIG. 3 is a side, partially cut-away view of a third embodiment of thepresent invention incorporating a phase separating membrane/filterassembly.

FIG. 4 is a side, partially cut-away view of a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention, incorporating a sensor for selectively engaging thepressurized fluid process.

FIG. 5 is a side, partially cut-away view of a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention wherein there is provided an attachment plate engaginga corrosion coupon for selectively engaging the pressurized fluidprocess.

FIG. 6 is a side, partially cut-away view of a sixth embodiment of theinvention wherein there is provided a well for receiving a temperaturesensor or other object for lowering into a monitoring area.

FIG. 7 is a side, partially cut-away view of a second embodiment of theinvention, wherein there is shown a flexible conduit for sample fluidextraction from the pressurized fluid process.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred first embodiment of theinvention contemplates a probe housing assembly 1 comprising a probe 30,conduit 7, and housing assembly 2. Cavity A 24, formed within housingassembly 2, extends longitudinally from the first end 3 of housingassembly 2 to the second end 4 of housing assembly 2. Cavity A 24 isformed between the inner wall 43 of housing assembly 2, and is externalto conduit 7. Threaded outlet port 6 is formed in the second end 4 ofhousing assembly 2, and male NPT threads 5 are formed in first end 3 ofhousing assembly 2.

The second end 9 of conduit 7 is attached and fluidly sealed to theinner wall 49 of the second end 4 of housing assembly 2. The first end 8of conduit 7 extends into cavity A 24. Sliding seal 12 is formed onsecond end 11 of probe 30, said second end 11 of probe 30 being insertedinto the open end of first end 8 of conduit 7, said sliding seal 12providing fluid seal between the outer wall of second end 11 of probe 30and the inner wall of conduit 7.

A rack gear 14 on probe 30 extends from first end 10 of probe 30 tosecond end 11 of probe 30, said rack gear 14 mechanically engaged withpinion gear 13 associated with housing 2. Said pinion gear 13 having apinion gear shaft 21 and pinion gear handle 20 formed to provide anexternal means for mechanically rotating said pinion gear 13.

Probe travel locking screw 41 threadly engaged in threaded opening 42provides a means for locking probe 30 at a desired protrusion length, byselectively rotating the screw to engage or disengage said probe. Seal50 provides a seal between the atmosphere and the pressure fluidprocess. Fluid communication passage 23 is established between the firstend 10 of probe 30 and threaded outlet port 6, said fluid pathcomprising of passage A 25, formed internal to probe 30 and passage B26, formed internal to conduit 7.

Said fluid path is formed to be capable of providing a fluid flow frompressurized fluid process 15 to an external device fluidly attached tothreaded outlet port 6. The function of the preferred, first embodimentof the invention is to extract a sample of fluid from a pressurizedfluid process 15.

In operation of the preferred first embodiment of invention, probehousing assembly 1 is attached to a fully opening valve 17 by way ofmale NPT threads 5, said fully opening valve 17 being attached to afirst end 45 of nipple 18 and second end 46 of nipple 18 beingthreadingly attached to pipe or vessel 16. An opening 19 formed in thewall of the pipe or vessel 16 provides fluid communication betweennipple 18 and pressurized fluid process 15.

After probe housing assembly 1 is attached to fully opening valve 17 aspreviously described, said fully opening valve 17 is manually opened byrotating R valve handle 22 wherein a small volume of fluid frompressurized fluid process 15 flows 51 through opening in wall of pipe orvessel 19, annulus 27 and into cavity A 24 until its fluid pressure incavity A 24 is equal to that of the pressurized fluid process 15.Rotating 53 first end 44 of probe travel locking screw 41 in acounterclockwise manner will disengage probe travel locking screw fromprobe, and release probe 30.

Rotating pinion gear handle counterclockwise 54 will extend 55 probe 30out of housing assembly 2. In this manner probe 30 can be extendedthrough fully opening valve 17, nipple 18, opening in wall pipe orvessel 19 and into pressurized fluid process 15. When first end 10 ofprobe 30 is extended to the desired depth in pressurized fluid process15, rotating 56 probe travel locking screw 41 in a clockwise manneruntil it is securely against probe 30 will engage and lock said probe 30in that position. During the extension of probe 30, sliding seal 12maintains a fluid seal between cavity A 24 and passages A 25 and passageB 26.

To detach the probe housing assembly from the fully opening valve 17,one must first unlock probe 30 by turning or rotating 53 probe travellocking screw 41 counterclockwise to disengage, rotate 57 pinion gearhandle 20 clockwise until probe 30 is fully retracted 58 into housingassembly 2, turning or rotating 56 probe travel locking screw 41clockwise to engage and lock probe 30 in place, rotate R′ valve handle22 clockwise until fully opening valve 17 is fully closed thenunscrewing 59 male NPT threads 5 from the body of fully opening valve17.

The rack and pinion drive illustrated and discussed is only an exampleof various means which can be implemented to selectively extend andretract the probe from the housing assembly. A friction drivecomprising, for example, a friction wheel rotatingly mounted to thehousing and frictionally engaging the probe may likewise be utilizedwith a handle for selective rotation of the wheel, much in the mannerdiscussed above, could likewise be utilized with good results. Otheralternatives could include, for example, magnetic means in the form orelectromagnets, rare earth magnets, or the like mounted to the housingor probe to facilitate the selective extension or retraction of theprobe from the housing assembly.

In preferred second embodiment of the invention (Refer to FIG. 7), aflexible tube or conduit 37 having first 60 and second 60′ ends, shownin a helical coiled configuration, engages the second end 11 of probeand outlet port 6, respectively, to provide fluid communicationtherebetween. The operation of probe housing assembly 1, for extractinga pressurized fluid process 15 sample, is essentially the same as thatof the aforementioned preferred first embodiment.

In a preferred third embodiment of the invention (Refer to FIG. 3), aphase separating membrane/filter assembly 29 is attached to threadedopening 28 to passage A 25, said phase separating membrane/filterassembly 29 rejecting liquid and solid particles while allowing thepassage of gas or vapors into passage A 25. Operation of said thirdembodiment is essentially as that of first embodiment.

In a preferred fourth embodiment of the invention (Refer to FIG. 4) asensor 31 is attached to threaded opening 28 to passage A25, said sensor31 having communication cable 32 extending through passage A 25, passageB, and outlet port 6. Operation for extending sensor 31 into pressurizedfluid process 15 is essentially the same as for preferred firstembodiment.

In a preferred fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5 attachment plate forcorrosion coupon 33 is attached to threaded opening 28 to passage A 25which can then be inserted into a pressurized fluid process 15 in amanner similar to that described for first preferred embodiment.

In a sixth preferred embodiment (Refer to FIG. 6) a closed end cap 34having a finned outer surface 40 is attached to threaded opening 28 topassage A 25 which effectively seals off said threaded opening 28 topassage A.

Thus, a well is formed, comprised of closed end cap well 35, passage A25, passage B 26, and threaded outlet port 6. A temperature sensor 36 orother similar object can now be lowered (at its first end 38) into theclosed end cap well 35, which remains open to the atmosphere even whenprobe 30 is extended into pressurized fluid process 15. A temperaturesensor cable 48 relays the signal from the probe at the second end 39 ofthe temperature sensor 36. Operation of this sixth preferred embodimentis similar to that of the preferred first embodiment. The finsfacilitate thermal transfer from said pressurized fluid process to saidsensor in said well.

In summary, the method engaging a pressurized fluid system with a probeutilizing the preferred embodiment of the present invention may besummarized as follows:

-   -   a. providing a probe housing assembly for insertion and        retraction of a probe into a pressurized vessel, comprising:        -   a telescoping probe having first and second ends, said            telescoping probe having an internal fluid passage formed            therethrough extending from said first end of said            telescoping probe to said second end of said telescoping            probe;        -   a housing having first and second ends, said housing having            an internal cavity formed therethrough extending from said            first end of said housing to said second end of said            housing, said housing formed to engage, in a fluidly sealed            manner, a pressurized fluid process in said pressurized            vessel;        -   said telescoping probe slidingly disposed in said internal            cavity formed in said housing in an approximate coaxial            relationship with said housing, such that said second end of            said telescoping probe can engage, in a fluidly sealed            manner, said second end of said housing;    -   b. engaging said first end of said housing to valve engaging a        pressurized vessel containing a pressurized fluid process;    -   c. opening said valve, providing an opening;    -   d. allowing said pressurized fluid process to selectively pass        through said opening in said valve and into said internal cavity        formed in said housing;    -   e. extending said first end of said probe from said housing,        through said open valve, into said pressure vessel, such that        said first end of said probe engages said pressurized fluid        process;    -   f. retracting said probe into said housing, and    -   g. closing said valve.

With the above process, a fluid sample can be obtained or other functionaccomplished, including, for example:

-   -   utilizing the fourth embodiment of the invention, mounting a        sensor to said first end of said probe would allow one to expose        said sensor to said pressurized fluid process in step “e”.    -   utilizing the sixth embodiment of the invention, mounting a        closed end cap having a cavity to said first end of said probe        such that said cavity of said closed end cap communicates with        said passage formed in said probe, to provide a well, would        allow one, in step “e: to lower a sensor into said well while        said well remains at atmospheric pressure with said probe        engaging said pressurized vessel to seal said well from said        pressurized fluid process, allowing said sensor to analyze said        pressurized fluid process, while remaining at atmospheric        pressure.    -   utilizing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in        step “e” one could of allow said pressurized fluid process to        flow into said conduit formed in said probe, sampling said        pressurized fluid process, providing sampled fluid.    -   utilizing the second embodiment of the invention, in step “e”,        one could utilize direct said sampled fluid through said        flexible conduit, through the outlet port of said housing        assembly, for collection.    -   utilizing the third embodiment of the present invention, in step        “e” one could utilize said phase separating membrane/filter        assembly to engage said pressurized process fluid such that gas        flows through said phase separating membrane/filter assembly        into said conduit formed in said probe, while rejecting liquid        and solid particles flowing through said pressurized process        fluid, and    -   utilizing the fifth embodiment of the present invention, in step        “e”, one could expose said corrosion coupon to said pressurized        fluid process, for analysis of same.

RECITATION OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

-   1. Probe housing assembly-   2. Housing assembly-   3. First end of housing assembly-   4. Second end of housing assembly-   5. Male NPT threads-   6. Threaded outlet port-   7. Conduit-   8. First end of conduit-   9. Second end of conduit-   10. First end of probe-   11. Second end of probe-   12. Sliding seal-   13. Pinion gear-   14. Rack gear-   15. Pressurized fluid process-   16. Pipe or vessel-   17. Fully opening valve-   18. Nipple-   19. Opening in wall of pipe or vessel-   20. Pinion gear handle-   21. Pinion gear shaft-   22. Valve handle-   23. Fluid communication passage-   24. Cavity A-   25. Passage A-   26. Passage B-   27. Annulus-   28. Threaded opening to passage A-   29. Phase separating membrane/filter assembly-   30. Probe-   31. Sensor-   32. Sensor cable-   33. Attachment plate for corrosion coupon-   34. Closed end cap-   35. Closed end cap well-   36. Temperature sensor-   37. Flexible conduit-   38. First end of temperature sensor-   39. Second end of temperature sensor-   40. Finned outer surface-   41. Probe travel locking screw-   42. Threaded opening-   43. Inner wall of housing assembly-   44. First end of probe travel locking screw-   45. First end of nipple-   46. Second end of nipple-   47. Second end of conduit-   48. Temperature sensor cable-   49. Inner wall of second end of housing assembly-   50. Seal-   51. Flows-   52.-   53. Rotating-   54. Rotating-   55. Extended-   56. Rotating-   57. Rotating-   58. Unscrewed

The invention embodiments herein described are done so in detail forexemplary purposes only, and may be subject to many different variationsin design, structure, application and operation methodology. Thus, thedetailed disclosures therein should be interpreted in an illustrative,exemplary manner, and not in a limited sense.

1) A probe housing assembly for insertion and retraction of a probe intoa pressurized vessel, comprising: a telescoping probe having first andsecond ends, said telescoping probe having an internal fluid passageformed therethrough extending from said first end of said telescopingprobe to said second end of said telescoping probe; a housing havingfirst and second ends, said housing having an internal cavity formedtherethrough extending from said first end of said housing to saidsecond end of said housing, said housing formed to engage, in a fluidlysealed manner, a pressurized fluid process in said pressurized vessel;said telescoping probe slidingly disposed in said internal cavity formedin said housing in an approximate coaxial relationship with saidhousing, such that said second end of said telescoping probe can engage,in a fluidly sealed manner, said second end of said housing; saidtelescoping probe engaging said housing so as to selective extension ofsaid first end of said telescoping probe through and beyond said firstend of said housing, so as to contact said pressurized fluid process insaid pressurized vessel. 2) The probe housing assembly of claim 1,wherein an outlet port is formed in second end of said housing, saidoutlet port formed to allow fluid communication with the internal fluidpassage of said telescoping probe. 3) The probe housing assembly ofclaim 2, wherein said outlet port is threaded for mechanical attachmentand fluid communication with an external device. 4) The probe housingassembly of claim 1, wherein a sliding fluid seal is formed between saidtelescoping probe and said internal cavity formed in said housing. 5)The probe housing assembly of claim 1, wherein said first end of saidhousing engages said pressurized vessel via a threaded attachment. 6)The probe housing assembly of claim 1, wherein a flange is provided toattach said first end of housing to said pressurized vessel containing apressurized fluid process. 7) The probe housing assembly of claim 1,wherein there is further provided a locking mechanism for locking saidfirst end of said telescoping probe in a fixed position. 8) The probehousing assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing and probe engage oneanother via rack and pinion formed to facilitate the selective extensionand retraction of said probe from said housing. 9) The probe housingassembly of claim 1, wherein said housing and said probe engage oneanother via friction drive arrangement formed to facilitate theselective extension and retraction of said probe from said housing. 10)The probe housing assembly of claim 1, wherein the means for extendingsaid telescoping probe is a magnetic force. 11) The probe housingassembly of claim 1, wherein said first end of said telescoping probehas a threaded opening. 12) The probe housing assembly of claim 1,wherein there is further provided a flexible conduit having first andsecond ends, said first end engaging said second end of said probe, saidsecond end of said conduit engaging said outlet port of said housingassembly, to provide fluid communication therebetween. 13) The probehousing assembly of claim 12, wherein said flexible conduit is coiled inhelical fashion. 14) The probe housing assembly of claim 1, whereinthere is further provided a phase separating membrane/filter assemblyengaging said first end of said probe, said phase separatingmembrane/filter assembly formed to reject liquid and solid particles,while allowing the passage of gas or vapors into said passage formed insaid probe. 15) The probe housing assembly of claim 1, wherein there isfurther provided a a sensor engaging said first end of said probe, saidsensor having a communication cable extending through said passageformed in said probe. 16) The probe assembly of claim 1, wherein thereis further provided a corrosion coupon engaging said first end of saidprobe for selective insertion into said pressurized fluid process viasaid probe. 17) The probe assembly of claim 1, wherein there is furtherprovided a closed end cap engaging said first end of said probe, saidclosed end cap having a cavity formed therein communicating with saidpassage formed in said probe to provide a well; whereby a sensor can belowered into said well extending from said probe, and said probe loweredinto said pressurized fluid process, such that said well remains atatmospheric pressure, said probe engaging said pressurized vessel toseal said well from said pressurized fluid process, allowing said sensorto analyze said pressurized fluid process while remaining at atmosphericpressure. 18) The probe assembly of claim 1, wherein said sensor is atemperature sensor, and said closed end cap has fins emanatingexteriorly therefrom to facilitate thermal transfer from saidpressurized fluid process to said well. 19) The method of engaging apressurized fluid system with a probe, comprising the steps of: a.providing a probe housing assembly for insertion and retraction of aprobe into a pressurized vessel, comprising: a telescoping probe havingfirst and second ends, said telescoping probe having an internal fluidpassage formed therethrough extending from said first end of saidtelescoping probe to said second end of said telescoping probe; ahousing having first and second ends, said housing having an internalcavity formed therethrough extending from said first end of said housingto said second end of said housing, said housing formed to engage, in afluidly sealed manner, a pressurized fluid process in said pressurizedvessel; said telescoping probe slidingly disposed in said internalcavity formed in said housing in an approximate coaxial relationshipwith said housing, such that said second end of said telescoping probecan engage, in a fluidly sealed manner, said second end of said housing;b. engaging said first end of said housing to valve engaging apressurized vessel containing a pressurized fluid process; c. openingsaid valve, providing an opening; d. allowing said pressurized fluidprocess to selectively pass through said opening in said valve, and intosaid internal cavity formed in said housing; e. extending said first endof said probe from said housing, through said open valve, into saidpressure vessel, such that said first end of said probe engages saidpressurized fluid process; f. retracting said probe into said housing,and g. closing said valve. 20) The method of claim 19, wherein there isprovided the further step in step “a” the additional step of mounting asensor to said first end of said probe, and in step “e” of exposing saidsensor to said pressurized fluid process. 21) The method of claim 19,wherein there is further provided in step “a” the additional step ofmounting a closed end cap having a cavity to said first end of saidprobe, such that said cavity of said closed end cap communicates withsaid passage formed in said probe, to provide a well, and in step “e”there is provided the additional step os lowering a sensor into saidwell while said well remains at atmospheric pressure with said probeengaging said pressurized vessel to seal said well from said pressurizedfluid process, allowing said sensor to analyze said pressurized fluidprocess, while remaining at atmospheric pressure. 22) The method ofclaim 19, wherein in step “e” there is further provided the additionalstep “e1” of allowing said pressurized fluid process to flow into saidconduit formed in said probe, sampling said pressurized fluid process,providing sampled fluid. 23) The method of claim 22, wherein in step “a”there is further provided the step providing a flexible conduit havingfirst and second ends, said first end engaging said second end of saidprobe, said second end of said conduit engaging said outlet port of saidhousing assembly, to provide fluid communication therebetween, and instep “e” there is further provided the step “e2” of directing saidsampled fluid through said flexible conduit, through the outlet port ofsaid housing assembly, for collection. 24) The method of claim 22,wherein in step “a” there is further provided the step of providing aphase separating membrane/filter assembly engaging said first end ofsaid probe, and in step “e” there is further provided the step “e2” ofutilizing said phase separating membrane/filter assembly to engage saidpressurized process fluid such that gas flows through said phaseseparating membrane/filter assembly into said conduit formed in saidprobe, while rejecting liquid and solid particles flowing through saidpressurized process fluid. 25) The method of claim 19, wherein there isprovided the further step in step “a” the additional step of mounting acorrosion coupon to said first end of said probe, and in step “e” ofexposing said corrosion coupon to said pressurized fluid process. 26)The method of claim 19, wherein there is provided the further step instep “a” the additional step of mounting a sensor to said first end ofsaid probe, and in step “e” of utilizing said sensor to analyze saidpressurized fluid process.